The threat of a school attack was vague. Bethel among ‘BHS’ schools forced to investigate

Following an online threat that surfaced in New Mexico on Thursday night, multiple schools across the country closed Friday, including two in Washington.

The threat, which was circulated widely across social media, referenced a “BHS.” Law enforcement determined that the threat was directed at Belen High School in New Mexico. The person suspected of producing the threat has been taken into custody.

Both Bremerton High School and the Blaine School District canceled classes Friday believing the acronym to be connected to their schools.

Bremerton police said in a statement that they canceled class “out of abundance of caution … especially in light of the recent school shootings and threats.”

Similar actions were taken Friday morning in Blaine, where district officials decided to close the entire district.

At 10 a.m. Friday, Blaine School District released an updated statement. It said the threat they received Thursday night is the same one that has been surfacing across the country.

Another BHS in the region — Bethel High School — wrote on its Facebook page Thursday night that they determined the threat was not related to them and class would still be in session Friday.

“We thank the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for their continued support and appreciate our proactive and security-conscious students and parents for assisting us in keeping our schools safe,” Bethel School District wrote on its Facebook page.

Police responded to Bayonne High School in New Jersey this morning after parents reported the threat, though authorities have since determined there is no connection between the two.

Today’s closures follow reports of gunfire at Highline College last week that led to a school lockdown. No victims were found and the lockdown was lifted shortly thereafter, though classes remained canceled for the remainder of the day.

This story was originally published February 23, 2018 at 11:01 AM with the headline "The threat of a school attack was vague. Bethel among ‘BHS’ schools forced to investigate."